68 PRACTICAL FLY FISHING 



strands should be shaken slightly as the knots come to- 

 gether. Finish by snipping off the over-hanging sur- 

 plus. 



The double knot (figure 2) is made similarly ex- 

 cept that a double knot is tied before tightening. Of 

 the two I prefer the single knot because it is smaller 



Figure 2 



although not quite as secure unless very carefully tied. 

 Some anglers weave a tiny length of gut between the 

 strands to act as a cushion before drawing taut but 

 this I believe to be unnecessary. If one wishes he can 

 insert the knotted end of a loop or strand between the 

 knots for dropper fly before pulling them together. 



In using either knot it takes from six to eight 

 strands, depending on their length, to produce a leader 

 approximately six feet long which is the most favored 

 size for general fishing. 



The best knot I know for making a loop at the 

 ends of the leader is shown in figures 3, 4 and 5, 

 labeled Favorite Loop. A double loop is loosely made 

 on the end of the leader. The free end is placed be- 

 tween the loops, the upper loop is pulled through the 

 lower and both pulled taut. This knot holds well, 

 lies flat and will not cut. 



If the angler uses snelled flies and fishes with more 

 than one fly the best leader is made by looping together 



